Our projects
Enabling investment and innovation

Network connections

Improving the efficiency of connecting to the distribution network and upgrading existing connections.

  • Distribution
  • Code

    • Overview

    Distributors are facing more and increasingly complex requests to connect to their networks – particularly for large electricity users like public EV charging stations and data centres, and generators like solar and wind farms. Commercial and industrial consumers are also looking to switch from fossil fuels to electricity.

    There is also strong competition between those seeking a connection (access seekers) over distributors’ resources for processing applications and connection capacity.

    This project aims to address the barriers to efficient network connections. We want to make sure the Code supports fit-for-purpose application processes and standards, so networks operate efficiently, competitively and reliably. The Authority established a Network Connections Technical Group in February 2024 to help us with this.

    Stage one of the project focuses on improving the application processes to connect large electricity users and distributed generation. We want these processes to be easier, faster, more equitable and more consistent across distribution networks.

    Stage two of the project will consider a range of issues, such as application processes for residential solar and the fees that access seekers pay for distributors to process their applications.

    Alongside this work, we are improving connection pricing methodologies so they are more efficient and have greater consistency across distributors.

    Timeline

    Past activity

    Project background

    This project is part of the Authority’s Updating regulatory settings for distribution programme which encompasses projects that aim to improve regulatory settings so they better support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy.

    This project was established in response to issues raised during consultations in 2021 and 2022 and ongoing conversations with the sector about the processes and standards to connect to distribution networks and operate efficiently. These processes and standards are regulated under Part 6 of the Code.

    The last substantive review of Part 6 was completed in 2015. Since then, the number, size and complexity of connection applications for distributed generation have changed substantially, and a comprehensive review is required.

    Given the breadth of the Part 6 regulations, we have divided the project into two stages. This allows the Authority to prioritise its focus and move more quickly on issues stakeholders have told us are most important.

    The Authority’s ‘Network connections project’ is one part of the cross-organisation Streamlining connections programme, which brings together three initiatives to improve the consistency and efficiency of network connections.

    The other initiatives are work by the Electricity Engineers’ Association to develop technical guidelines for the connection and commissioning of distributed energy resources, and the Electricity Networks Aotearoa’s work to map the customer journey to identify pain points and help create solutions.

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